Oral Answers to Questions

Nigel Adams Excerpts

Tuesday 16th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. From now on, first of all, exchanges must be shorter. Secondly, let it be clear beyond doubt that Ministers answer for the policies of the Government, not for those of the Opposition. That is the end of the matter.

[Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con)]

2. What fiscal measures he has introduced to provide assistance for pensioners since his appointment.

[The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne)]

With your permission, Mr Speaker, if I dare ask for it, I should like to answer this question with questions 6 and 7.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Osborne]

Even in these constrained times, the coalition Government have been able to find additional assistance for pensioners. We have re-linked the basic state pension to earnings and provided a triple guarantee that the basic state pension will be raised by the higher of earnings, prices or 2.5% from next April. We have also protected other key pensioner benefits and made the previous Government’s temporary pre-election increase in cold weather payments permanent, because this Government treat pensioners with the dignity and respect that they deserve.

[Nigel Adams]

I am grateful to the Chancellor for that reply. Many pensioners and those approaching pension age in my constituency of Selby and Ainsty will welcome his words, but will he tell me what will be the impact in future years of the link to earnings in respect of the basic state pension?